new apache owner.....

[no1udknow]

Hey guys, new to the forum, but I have been lurking here a while reading posts. My names Mike and I just got a screamin deal on a 59 apache short bed step side for $1000. It is all stock, matching frame and cab numbers, had a straight six but it has been removed along with the 3spd trans. Other than that it is a complete truck. I'm looking to do a little modernization and wanted some advice.
I have searched through the forum quite a bit and ha e not found a definitive answer, but is there another newer truck that makes for a good full frame swap? The reason I ask is by the time I buy an IFS kit, engine, trans, rear end, steering box, and god knows what else, I will probably have 10k in to it. Whereas if I could find a donor that is maybe wrecked or won't pass smog, I could get the whole shabang for a grand or two at the most. I'm a great welder/fabricator so mounting the body probably won't be an issue, it would be finding a frame with the same dimensions. I would like to do a nice street rod/cruiser.
Thanks in advance.
Mike

[Highsider]

Clean title?

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by Highsider

Clean title?

yup, my buddy has had it for about 10 years now. He was going to put the cab on a 4x4 80's truck but never got around to it so he was in need of $$ and gave it to me cheap. It's in pretty good shape, only a little rot in the passenger door, drivers door has been replaced, needs bed planks... but other than that everything else is in pretty good shape.

[55metalmonkey]

S-10 or dakota seems to be the most common, link below from someone who is doing one
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=frame+swap

Quite a few things to consider before you start though, I would recommend using the search function in the forum and read all the threads on TF frame swaps and see what issues some guys had to overcome had with the swap.
Also
Not sure what the laws are in CA but if they are anything like they are here you may need the papers from the frame and the original cab to register it, not a big deal for most but something to keep in mind.
Some places also issue a new VIN if you merge two vehicles together and will make you meet the smog reqirments of the frame/ drive train so you might want to look into it

The big question is are you going to keep the engine/ trans ect with the frame or do you have plans to upgrade the whole drive train along with the swap? or are you going with a SBC swap as well?

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by 55metalmonkey

S-10 or dakota seems to be the most common, link below from someone who is doing one
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ght=frame+swap

Quite a few things to consider before you start though, I would recommend using the search function in the forum and read all the threads on TF frame swaps and see what issues some guys had to overcome had with the swap.
Also
Not sure what the laws are in CA but if they are anything like they are here you may need the papers from the frame and the original cab to register it, not a big deal for most but something to keep in mind.
Some places also issue a new VIN if you merge two vehicles together and will make you meet the smog reqirments of the frame/ drive train so you might want to look into it

The big question is are you going to keep the engine/ trans ect with the frame or do you have plans to upgrade the whole drive train along with the swap?

I was hoping to find something like a 5.7 with a 700r4, I'm thinking a late 90's vortec with a carb setup paired with an older 700 so I can just install an OD switch. Then maybe a high geared rear end to help with mileage. Like I said, cruiser,street rod no drag racing, no hauling or towing, but if I want to take it for a long ride or a trip up to Tahoe, I don't want it to cost an arm and a leg.

[55metalmonkey]

Sounds like you have a plan!

If I was to do mine again I'd go with the MII IFS but when I started, money was the issue, now that I'm near the end I just don't leave the recipts laying around for the wife to find

something else that is popular is a 2nd gen camaro front subframe (or nova) + rear posi 10 bolt from an 80's camaro. Disc brakes on all 4 corners and it gives you the 5.7 motor mounts and trans mounts (if you use the full clip)

[paulspickupparts]

Front clips from 63-72 have the same frame dimensions as the 55-59. I had a friend add one. You could barely tell it was not original. Because of the same frame measurements you can cut and metal finish the outside. Use a short sections of the old frame to box the inside. Very clean and easy. Camaros work also but not quite as clean of finished look. You will still have to fab your radiator support mounts but gives you power steering and 5.7 engine mounts. This also lowers the front end a little due to arch of the front frame vs. the stock straight frame. If you want to go even lower it can be done with springs or dropped spindes.

Several years ago I was at a show in Texas and someone had a truck like years. The owner had used a 73 and up short frame and said it was fairly easy. Going by his word on that. Would have to add the cab mounts/box mounts.

Good luck.

[57chevyman]

Originally Posted by paulspickupparts

Front clips from 63-72 have the same frame dimensions as the 55-59. I had a friend add one. You could barely tell it was not original. Because of the same frame measurements you can cut and metal finish the outside. Use a short sections of the old frame to box the inside. Very clean and easy. Camaros work also but not quite as clean of finished look. You will still have to fab your radiator support mounts but gives you power steering and 5.7 engine mounts. This also lowers the front end a little due to arch of the front frame vs. the stock straight frame. If you want to go even lower it can be done with springs or dropped spindes.

Several years ago I was at a show in Texas and someone had a truck like years. The owner had used a 73 and up short frame and said it was fairly easy. Going by his word on that. Would have to add the cab mounts/box mounts.

Good luck.

my truck has the front clip from a '68 truck. power steering was also added from a mid 70s truck and the front of the frame was modified to make room for the steering box. The guy who built my truck said that he chose the 1968 front clip to achieve the jacked up look of a 4x4 truck